For immediate release – 11/26/12 -- #182

Chillemi, Hornets Hold on Late, Down Cougars on Road

DANVILLE, VA—The Lynchburg College men's basketball team continues its hot streak with a 82-69 win over Averett University Monday night in Danville.

The Hornets got off to a fast start with an early 9-2 lead less than two minutes into the game. LC was able to move the ball around the Cougars' zone, finding junior Manny Hernandez for three trifectas. Forty seconds later, Hernandez dropped in another shot from distance for a 12-5 Hornet lead. LC scored the next ten points to commandeer a 22-5 advantage before Averett's next point.

Averett could not find an answer for Lynchburg early in the second half as LC extended its lead to 20 points, 55-35, five minutes into the final period. The Cougars' Marquis Scott worked hard in the final minutes to cut into the Hornet lead, getting it as close as seven points late in the second half.

Senior Austin Chillemi led the Hornets in scoring while posting his first double-double of the season with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Hernandez had 21 points; his second straight game scoring more than 20. Junior Xavier Parham was the only other Hornet in double-figures with 16 points while leading the team with five steals and four assists. Parham was second on LC with eight rebounds.

Scott ended the night with 18 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out for the Cougars. Paul Porter added 10 points and 11 boards for Averett.

Lynchburg (4-0) plays again Wednesday night as they travel to Randolph-Macon in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) opener for both teams. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m.

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